Cisco rolling out remote banking technology across Ireland

The Lab at Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin. Photo via The Lab's Facebook page

More retail banking customers in Ireland will be able to have virtual face-to-face meetings with banking specialists from any branch, in real-time and via high-definition video, now that Cisco has launched a new technology.

The networking equipment maker has signed its first remote banking contract in Ireland for the new technology, Cisco Remote Expert Smart Solution, with AIB.

AIB recently launched its first digital banking store, The Lab (Learn About Banking) in Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin. The Lab incorporates Cisco Remote Expert video booths, where visitors can video call financial advisers seven days a week for advice on home mortgages and other products.

Les Hurrell, major account manager with Cisco, believes the remote banking technology will be of particular help to rural communities.

“If you’re living in Galway and want to apply for a mortgage, you won’t have to drive all the way to the nearest branch with a mortgage adviser. Instead you can just book an appointment in the booth in your hometown and do it from there,” Hurrell said.

Robert Mulhall, head of Direct Channels, Personal Business and Corporate Banking, AIB, said the technology is easy to use.

“It’s all touchscreen, and you’re guided through everything by an agent. The reaction we’ve had so far is really positive,” Mulhall said.